EARLY LEADERS HAVE EMERGED!

Congratulations on kicking off Miles for Wellness Challenge 31 with a strong start and thank you for submitting your team's step count. Participating state employees walked a total of 290,257 miles in the challenge's first two weeks!

REMINDER

If you missed the deadline to submit your team's steps, simply report your numbers for weeks 1-4 during the next reporting period, Monday, April 7-Wednesday, April 9.

BIONIC HARE

1st: HSBIA Product Pushers

Captain: Brook Clements

Dept. of Health and Human Services

Total Steps: 3,498,902

2nd: Eazzy Beezzy

Captain: Suzanna Fay

Dept. of Health and Human Services

Total Steps: 3,358,030

3rd: Lion'Den

Captain: Renee Bratcher

Dept. of Adult Correction

Total Steps: 2,758,817

HARE

1st: Hazard Hustlers

Captain: Ashley Hester

UNC Chapel Hill

Total Steps: 1,399,104

2nd: Worst Pace Scenario - Johnston

Captain: Connie Johnston

NC Community Colleges

Total Steps: 1,393,505

3rd: The Misfits

Captain: Kimberly Krasuski

General Assembly/Legislative

Total Steps: 1,388,732

SUPER HARE

1st: Atkins Collect'n Miles

Captain: Stephanie Collins

UNC Charlotte

Total Steps: 2,068,186

2nd: CMAST Kraken

Captain: Emily Christiansen

Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources

Total Steps: 2,062,320

3rd: Come Well or High Water

Captain: Meaghan Reilly

Dept. of Health and Human Services

Total Steps: 1,995,823

TORTOISE

1st: HOTT STEPPERS

Captain: Latisha Coston

Dept. of Adult Correction

Total Steps: 1,112,406

2nd: ASL Fun

Captain: Elizabeth Brooks

Dept. of Health and Human Services

Total Steps: 1,109,480

3rd: BCAS Road Warriors 3

Captain: Jennie Vaughn

UNC Chapel Hill

Total Steps: 1,108,431

HOW DIVISIONS ARE DETERMINED

Divisions are determined based on the average number of steps per week, per member, so teams compete against like-performing, similarly active teams throughout the challenge. To find the average steps for each division, refer to the FAQ section on our website.

HOW RANKINGS ARE DETERMINED

Rankings within a division are based on a team's total number of steps. Miles for Wellness is designed to promote teamwork and team building, so it's ideal to recruit a full team of 10 to increase the likelihood of winning within a division. Teams of less than 10 shouldn't be discouraged — there's always a way to improve! Many small but mighty teams strive to move up to a higher division or overcome full teams within their division. And remember, as long as you're building habits that promote daily physical activity, you're reaping the benefits of the challenge.

Congratulations to our current leaders! Click the button below to find out how your team measures up.

No matter where your team landed on the leaderboard, there's nothing sweeter than knowing so many state employees are improving their health together.

BELOW ARE EXCITING HIGHLIGHTS:

• From marathons to setting personal records in time or distance ran, many state employees logged running achievements during the first two weeks of the challenge. Congratulations to members of Apex Friendship Elementary Super Steppers 1, The TEACCH Honey Hustlers, BCAS Road Warriors 2, Election Nerd Herd 1, Winter is Going and Roper Road Runners.

• The three teams from the Department of Administration's State Property Office are taking on their toughest opponent each week—themselves! In addition to the statewide challenge, they're tracking the percentage increase in steps week to week and have weekly winners within their office. They also hold a walking meeting each weekday at 2 p.m. for anyone whose schedule allows.

State Property Office employees during a 2 p.m. walking meeting.

• "We have a member that has lost a few pounds since starting this challenge and a member with vitals that have improved since getting up and moving. Miles for Wellness is buzzing on our campus." - Elaine Carmon, Campus Cruisers from NC Community Colleges

• "Team members are asked to submit any "Tiny Triumphs" when they report their weekly step counts. This helps us get to know each other better and cheer each on," - Jennie Vaughn, BCAS Road Warriors 4 from UNC Chapel Hill

BI-WEEKLY REPORTING FORM

Submit your team's steps for each check-in and the final deadline using the bi-weekly reporting form. Note that the link to the form will remain the same throughout the duration of the challenge.

The reporting periods for each check-in are:

• Weeks 1-4: Monday, April 7-Wednesday, April 9
• Weeks 1-6: Monday, April 21-Wednesday, April 23
• Weeks 1-8 (Final Submission): Monday, May 5-Wednesday, May 7

TRAIL FACTS

Check out the points of interest guide here to learn more about each pollinator-inspired town your team will explore along this virtual adventure.

NEED MORE INFO?

Each communication we send captains is filled with valuable information to help you make the most of Miles for Wellness. Find past emails online on the Challenge 31 page so a cluttered inbox won't stop you from bee-ing the best captain you can bee.

Still can't find the answer you're looking for? Email milesforwellness@nc.gov.